Submitted by: Groundswell
Written by: Alison Edwards, CEO
Groundswell has a 35-year history of bringing diverse people together to foster mutual understanding. We are very good at this. But in 2024 when we were approached by a community member with the opportunity to address the growing political polarization through dialogue I was timid. Should we really go there? Could we engage with participants who may not share our organizational values? Sometime passed and the proposal came back around through different channels, including a founding donor of our org. So I took a risk. I cobbled together a small stipend and off we went with Joe to recruit participants, one by one.
Through facilitated conversations, we brought people with differing political beliefs together to listen, learn, and rediscover what truly connects us as neighbors and fellow citizens. We build understanding, reduce polarization, and strengthen our shared sense of belonging.
Participants leave understanding the experiences and beliefs of people with different
political perspectives. They find areas of common ground while honoring real differences and learn skills to engage across divides with curiosity and respect.
Two years later we have engaged elected, community leaders, activists, students and everyday folks looking for some hope. Almost 100 people have completed the process and large portion have continued to either meet in small ongoing groups, attend single issue dialogues, or learned how to cofacilitate the sessions.
Our evaluations are stellar, everyone seems to agree that the program is deeply needed and well designed, our leader, Joe, is committed and effective. All signs indicate that we should be well funded and have participants waiting to get in the door.
But the truth is that this is slow burn. The divisions are so deep that many fear even a structured interaction with the other or find themselves hopeless against such a formidable challenge. We have to build relationships with participants before they agree to take the leap, it is time intensive to say the least. Funders have been similarly shy with some notable exceptions – our biggest supporters are participants, they have by far given the most donations. But still we are stuck in a catch 22. We don’t have the capacity or money to raise the money to increase the capacity.
Two years later the divisions persist and our mission is to build bridges between people of diverse backgrounds and ideological viewpoints to create a less polarized society matters even more. We can see our vision for a community where people, based on a mutual respect for each other’s basic humanity, work across political divides for the common good coming into shape during our time together.
Our aim is simple yet powerful: to help our community move from division to belonging. We have proof of concept and we find ourselves changed as well in the process. I have been moved by the people who step into the arena with us, they have made me an advocate for bridging.
I truly believe that if we are to move toward belonging we must seek to understand one another. It’s how we build a new vision of the future where we can all see our humanity reflected.
Here’s what a few participants shared about their experience:
“I was part of this “experiment.” One of the most American things I’ve ever done (surpassing Scouts, Church, and Army service). Made me believe in democracy all over again. I came in wanting to fight everything…including the concept of de-Polarization taught here. I emerged a better conservative Republican, and a more respectful American able to, not just “agree to disagree”, but rather to debate and resolve differences in thought & opinion, resulting in a productive, amicable way forward for all. Thank you [to those] that helped fund and promote this type of true, founding fathers-like approach to being a better citizen.”
-Brendan, Participant, posted on LinkedIn in November 2024
“Our time together reminded me that supporting a candidate doesn’t mean endorsing everything about them; it’s often about shared concerns and priorities. This perspective has brought me a sense of calm tonight. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to submit my vote and for the respect I feel for friends on both sides of the aisle, like each of you.The time we all shared together reinforced for me that, beyond politics, we share so many hopes and dreams for a brighter future together.Thank you to each of you for helping me experience tonight differently!!!!! With tremendous gratitude….”
-Katie, Participant, Nov 5, 2024 election day, sent to fellow workshop participants
“The Bridging Initiative has been eye opening and rewarding in many ways. I see that there are good tools for engaging those with different views and that we have much common ground once we approach each other with respect. Our regular group meets regularly to discuss issues of the day, and we now share a genuine fondness for one another despite our differences. I only wish that more people would take the risk of attending [these] workshops to learn how we all can be better people and better citizens when engaging with those with opposing views.
-Richard, Participant and Volunteer Salon Facilitator, June 2026
